Saakashvili Met Abashidze’s Supporters

President Saakashvili who was barred earlier this morning from entering Adjara Autonomous Republic met with the supporters of the Adjarian leader Aslan Abashidze.

The meeting was held at the Choloki checkpoint, which at the administrative border between Adjara and the rest of Georgia.

“I am your President, I am Georgia’s President and I came here to tell you that I do not intend to use force against you. I know that you have been told that the central authorities intend to dispatch troops to Adjara. Do not believe this,” President Saakashvili told Abashidze’s supporters, who were gathered at the administrative border.

A crowd met Saakashvili chanting “Grandpa, Grandpa” – a nickname of Aslan Abashidze.

Earlier this morning a convoy of President Saakashvili was barred from entering Adjara, as hundreds of armed men blocked the border.

As a result the president’s convoy turned back to nearby town of Poti.

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